Raymond Domenech is a French football manager and former player, born in 1952.
He managed the France national team from 2004 to 2010, reaching the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.
Domenech was awarded the title of Officer of the National Order of Merit in 2007.
Biography
Early Life
Raymond Manuel Albert Domenech was born in 1952 and is of Catalan descent. He developed a passion for football early in life, which led him to pursue a career as a professional player. Domenech played as a defender, starting his career with Olympique Lyonnais from 1970 to 1977. He later played for several clubs, including RC Strasbourg Alsace, Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Girondins de Bordeaux, and FC Mulhouse, before retiring in 1986.
Managerial Career
Domenech transitioned into management, taking charge of the France U-21 national team in 1993. His tenure saw the team reach the semifinals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championships in 1994 and 1996, showcasing his ability to develop young talent. He was appointed manager of the France national team in 2004, leading them to the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they finished as runners-up. However, his time with the national team ended controversially after their elimination from the 2010 World Cup due to serious misconduct.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Domenech was in a civil relationship with French TV presenter Estelle Denis, whom he proposed to live on television in 2008. The couple has two children but separated in 2020. Domenech is known for his fascination with astrology, although he has denied claims that it influenced his team selections. He has received recognition for his contributions to football, including being named an Officer of the National Order of Merit in 2007.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
© Nicolas Richoffer · CC BY-SA 4.0 
© julien haler from Paris, France · CC BY 2.0 
© NL-HaNA, ANEFO / neg. stroken, 1945-1989, 2.24.01.05, item number 930-7276 · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl 
© Nicolas Richoffer · CC BY-SA 4.0 
© NL-HaNA, ANEFO / neg. stroken, 1945-1989, 2.24.01.05, item number 930-7275 · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl
Career & Clubs
France U-21 national team
Domenech replaced Marc Bourrier as coach of the France national under-21 football team in 1993. His first major tournament was the 1994 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which France hosted. France had qualified after topping their group in qualification, nine points above second-placed Sweden. At the tournament, France defeated Russia in the quarter-finals but lost to Italy in a penalty shootout at the semifinal stage. Italy went on to win the final against Portugal. France qualified for the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship after finishing first in their qualifying group. France defeated Germany in the quarter-finals. Italy again knocked out the French side at the semi-final stage, the lone goal coming from Francesco Totti. Italy retained their title, defeating Spain in the final. After finishing third at the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, France qualified for the 1996 Olympics as one of the top five European nations. France finished top of their group with victories over Australia and Saudi Arabia, and a draw with Spain. At the quarter-finals, France were eliminated 2–1 by Portugal after a golden goal was scored from the penalty spot by José Calado. France failed to qualify for the 1998 UEFA European Under-21 Championship after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Norway. France's final game of qualifying was at home against Norway, with France having needed at least a draw to top their group. Norway…
- Club
- RC Strasbourg Alsace (1977–1981)
- Club
- FC Girondins de Bordeaux (1982–1984)
- Club
- Olympique Lyonnais (1970–1977)
- Club
- FC Mulhouse (1984–1986)
- Club
- Paris Saint-Germain FC (1981–1982)
- Club
- France men's national association football team (1973–1979)
- National team
- France
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- Officer of the National Order of Merit
Personal
Domenech was previously in a civil relationship with French TV presenter Estelle Denis, whom he met at the studios of channel Infosport+. Domenech proposed to Denis on live television on 17 June 2008, after France's elimination from UEFA Euro 2008. The couple have two children, a daughter born in 2004 and a son born in 2007. The couple separated in 2020. Domenech is of Catalan descent. He is fascinated by astrology, and believes that people's personalities are shaped by star signs. He has denied rumours that he picked squads based on astrology, or that he dropped Robert Pires for being a Scorpio, instead saying that the 30-year-old Arsenal winger was declining and a bad influence on the squad.
Legacy
Manager
France
FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2002; third place: 1996
Orders
Officer of the National Order of Merit: 2007
Clubs
Played together with
Aaron AnselminoRC Strasbourg Alsace · 2026
Aaron BoupendzaFC Girondins de Bordeaux · 2016–2020
Abdelaziz BarradaParis Saint-Germain FC · 2007–2010
Abdelkader GhezzalOlympique Lyonnais
Abdelkrim MerryRC Strasbourg Alsace · 1983–1984- Abdellah LiegeonRC Strasbourg Alsace · 1987–1989
Abderrahmane MahjoubFrance men's national association football team · 1953–1955
Abdou DialloParis Saint-Germain FC · 2019–2023
Abdou TraoréFC Girondins de Bordeaux · 2006–2008- Abdou TraoréFC Girondins de Bordeaux · 2008–2017
Abdul Kader KeïtaOlympique Lyonnais · 2007–2009
Abedi PeleFC Mulhouse · 1987–1987
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Raymond Manuel Albert Domenech is a French football manager and former player. He managed the France national team from 2004 to 2010, reaching the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. He was dismissed after their elimination from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for serious misconduct.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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